How Does These Ultrasound Reports Showing Reduction In Amniotic Fluid Be Treated?

Posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014

Question: I am 34 weeks pregnant. I am experiencing low fetal movement (almost 60% less than earlier) since last week all of a sudden while there is no other complaint as such.I consulted my doctor today and she advised a color sonography which is attached with this question along with the findings of the radiologist. The doctor says that I have low amniotic fluid levels all of a sudden and has advised medicinies and drips fo next three days. 1.Amino-fit(Amino Acid and Minerals)- Sanofi Pharma-3 times a day 2.Argihope(L-Arginine)-Corona Remedies- 1 time a day 3.Ecosprin 75(Asprin Delayed Release) -1 time day 4.Alamin SN 200ml injection(Nutritive infusion of pure and crystaline Amino Fuilds) - Allbert XXXXXXX 5.Invert Sugar Injection 500ml(10% Fructose in water) The doctor was also referring to some placenta problem, which I could not fully understand. I want a second opinion on the situation and the prescribed medication and how does this situation affect my baby. How soon this situation would improve( or would this not improve at all)and what to expect next and be prepared for. Thanks XXXX

Answered by Dr. Bhagyashree.B (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer: drugs are correct. you may expect early delivery. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for writing . I have gone through your reports. The ultrasound reports show gross reduction of amniotic fluid. Also there is decreased flow in the umbilical artery. To explain this in simple terms , the baby gets food from placenta. the urine it passes is amniotic fluid. If its getting less blood and nutrition from the placenta then naturally it will be passing less urine and hence less amniotic fluid. Also as its getting less nutrition it may be moving less than normal which you have mentioned The drugs prescribed by your doctor are generally prescribed by obg specialists to improve the placental function and the amniotic fluid hence fetal nutrition. regarding what you can expect about the condition it may worsen or remain same. your doctor may advise non stress test for the baby which is the baby's heart trace daily or on alternate days to confirm whether it is doing fine. Also you may be administered other drugs to improve the fetal lung function in case you require early delivery. please keep a fetal kick count chart and rest in left lateral position . Looking on the bright side your baby weight is already above 2.5 kg so if the situation doesn't improve immediate delivery/ caesarean section can always be done. hope this was useful. best of luck. please write back if you have any query. Dr Bhagyashree

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyashree.B (2 hours later)

Thanks for your response. I have few more questions here 1. Is this a commonly encountered condition or a special or infrequent condition. What causes this? I have been utmost strict with taking care of my self. What additional precautions you think are necessary 2. Is it that the condition of low amniotic fluid would have eventually have happened in due course leading to birth of the baby and just that it has happened early? 3.Is it that the treatment of this condition is to treat the patient to improve amniotic fluid and fetal nutrition and monitor the situation and wait for normal delivery but if things worsen say the amniotic fluid levels do not improve or blood flow is not sufficient than deliver the baby by operation. 4.Are there any side effects of the medication given for this condition on baby or my health. Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bhagyashree.B (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: no effect of drug. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for writing back. 1. This is not a rare condition. Please don't beat yourself up about what you could have done. Most women in my clinic too keep wondering that they have followed advice properly and still have low amniotic fluid. 2. The drugs don't have any significant side effects. Most are aminoacids i.e protein supplements. I have found that most of the time they are useful. 3. If I have a patient like you the question I always ask is "is the baby grown enough to survive outside the mother's womb" meaning if I deliver the baby now what are its chances of success than keeping the baby inside where it is starving? If you have completed 35 weeks and your baby is more than 2.2 kg it will do better outside than in your uterus. As your gestational age by scan is 34 weeks your doctor may be trying to buy a little time say a week or so with treatment. In case of severe decrease in amniotic fluid normal delivery if attempted can cause problem to baby. So my opinion is that under close monitoring if your baby parameters worsen on scan you may need cesarean section. 4. Hypertension in mother can cause this decreased amniotic fluid and decreased blood flow. But as you don't have any high no the treatment regime is to wait and watch the baby closely. Thanks Dr Bhagyashree

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj